WASHINGTON -- Nationals right-hander Shawn Hill is cautiously optimistic he will be ready for Spring Training. He said on Monday he has more range of motion in his right elbow than he did during the 2008 season, when he pitched in only 12 games.

Hill had arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow last month. Some small spurs in the posterior elbow were removed, and Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery, didn't find any further damage to the elbow. Hill acknowledged there is soreness in the elbow, which is to be expected, but it hasn't stopped him from doing his physical therapy three days a week.

"I'm already ahead of schedule," Hill said. "I already have more range than I did before the surgery. Most of the season, I was limited with my range of motion. I'm in a better position than I was during the season. Hopefully this will get me over the hump."

No one has ever questioned Hill's talent as a pitcher. However, staying healthy for a full season is something he hasn't been able to do since entering the Major Leagues in 2004 with the Expos. Besides the arthroscopic surgery, Hill has had elbow reconstruction and forearm surgery. The injuries have limited him to only 37 games during his career.

"It has been frustrating. It has been frustrating to everybody," Hill said. "You can imagine the fans, the front office and the coaches I have to deal with -- me being put on the [disabled list] all the time. Trust me, it's more frustrating for me than for you guys. I haven't had the chance to do what I feel I can do. I can get mad and sad, but you have to keep plugging away."